Cowboys to Interview Three Defensive Coordinator Candidates First

The Dallas Cowboys are actively searching for their next defensive coordinator and have narrowed down their candidates. On Friday, they will interview Daronte Jones, the defensive pass game coordinator from the Minnesota Vikings, and Ephraim Banda, the safeties coach from the Cleveland Browns. On Saturday, they will meet with Jim Leonhard, who holds the same position with the Denver Broncos.

Cowboys’ Approach to the Defensive Coordinator Search

Team owner and general manager Jerry Jones and head coach Brian Schottenheimer mentioned that they are open to a diverse range of candidates. Notably, they indicated that previous experience as a defensive coordinator or head coach is not a strict requirement. This allows the Cowboys to evaluate a wide array of coaching talent from across the NFL.

Candidate Profiles

• Daronte Jones

  Jones has an extensive background focusing on the secondary. He began his coaching journey in Louisiana high schools before advancing to collegiate coaching. Since entering the NFL in 2016 with the Miami Dolphins as the assistant defensive backs coach, he has worked with various teams.

  • Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Bowie State (2005)
  • Cornerbacks Coach at UCLA (2010)
  • Secondary Coach at Hawaii (2012-2014)
  • Defensive Backs Coach at Wisconsin (2015)
  • Defensive Coordinator at LSU (2021)
  • Defensive Pass Game Coordinator with Vikings (2023)

  Under his guidance, the Vikings ranked second in the NFL for passing yards allowed per game this season.

• Ephraim Banda

  Banda, a San Antonio native, had a playing career as a safety. His coaching career has also revolved around this position. He started at the University of the Incarnate Word and further developed at prominent schools, including Texas and Miami.

  • Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Miami (2019-2020)
  • Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach at Utah State (2021-2022)
  • Safeties Coach with the Cleveland Browns (2023-present)

  Under Banda’s leadership, Cleveland’s defense has consistently ranked in the top 12 for passing defense, achieving the top position in 2023.

• Jim Leonhard

  With ten seasons in the NFL, Leonhard brings a wealth of experience as a former defensive back. He has a close relationship with Cowboys’ head coach Brian Schottenheimer from their time together with the Jets.

  • Defensive Backs Coach at Wisconsin (2016)
  • Defensive Coordinator at Wisconsin (2017-2021)
  • Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator with Broncos (2024-present)

  Leonhard has been integral in developing the Broncos’ secondary, which has consistently performed well, including a second-place finish overall in defense.

The Cowboys have only begun their interviews but are expected to explore a broader set of candidates for the defensive coordinator role. For ongoing updates, fans can refer to El-Balad’s defensive coordinator candidate tracker.